Key takeaways
Premium bonds prizes are checked via the NS&I prize checker at nsandi.com -- enter your holder number and the tool shows all prizes won in the last 12 months.
NS&I draws prizes on the first working day of every month using ERNIE (Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment).
Prizes range from 25 pounds to 1 million pounds tax-free. NS&I contacts winners by post for prizes of 50,000 pounds or more.
Unclaimed prizes are held by NS&I indefinitely -- there is no time limit on claiming a premium bonds prize.
The NS&I prize checker is free and requires your holder number, which appears on your premium bonds statement or the NS&I app.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
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How the NS&I prize checker works
NS&I (National Savings and Investments) provides an online prize checker at nsandi.com. To use it, you need your holder number -- a unique reference number assigned when you first bought premium bonds. This appears on your NS&I statement, any prize letters you have received, or within the NS&I app if you have registered online.
The checker shows all prizes won in the current and previous draws, up to 12 months of history. For each prize it shows the bond number that won, the prize amount and the draw date. If no prizes appear it means none of the bonds held in that account won in the period checked.
Other ways to check your premium bonds
NS&I app: the official NS&I app for iOS and Android displays prize history, current bond value and draw results. Requires registration with NS&I online.
By post: NS&I sends prize warrants (cheques) by post for prizes of 1,000 pounds and above if the account is not set up for bank transfer. For prizes below 1,000 pounds, NS&I adds the amount directly to your NS&I account unless bank transfer details are registered.
By phone: NS&I customer services on 08085 007 007 can confirm prize history if you have your holder number. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 6pm.
Premium bonds results page: NS&I publishes the monthly draw results including the total number of prizes, the jackpot winners and the total prize fund at nsandi.com each month after the draw.
What is ERNIE and how does the draw work
ERNIE stands for Electronic Random Number Indicator Equipment. It is the random number generator NS&I uses to select winning bond numbers each month. Each 1 pound bond has an equal and independent chance of winning in every draw -- owning more bonds increases the statistical likelihood of winning but does not guarantee it.
The draw takes place on the first working day of each month. NS&I publishes the results shortly after, including the total prize fund, the number of prizes in each band and the bond numbers of the two 1 million pound jackpot winners.
Unclaimed prizes and lost bonds
NS&I holds unclaimed prizes indefinitely. There is no time limit on claiming a premium bonds prize -- prizes from draws many years ago remain available. If you believe you have unclaimed prizes, NS&I offers a tracing service. You can contact NS&I with your holder number or, if the original bondholder has died, with the relevant details and NS&I will search their records.
If you have lost your holder number, NS&I can verify your identity using personal details and your registered address. For bonds held in the name of a deceased person, NS&I requires a death certificate and probate documentation depending on the value of the estate.
Checking premium bonds registered to someone else
You can only check premium bonds using the holder number of the account. If bonds are held in a child's name, the parent or guardian registered as the account manager can check using the child's holder number. For bonds held by a deceased person, the executor of the estate should contact NS&I directly to arrange transfer or encashment.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA and does not provide regulated financial advice. Premium bonds are provided by NS&I, a government-backed savings institution. Always verify current prize rates and terms directly at nsandi.com before making savings decisions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my premium bonds holder number?
Your holder number appears on any NS&I statement, prize letter or correspondence from NS&I. If you have registered for NS&I online or the NS&I app, it is visible in your account dashboard. If you cannot locate it, NS&I customer services on 08085 007 007 can help verify your identity and provide the number.
How often are premium bonds drawn?
NS&I draws premium bonds prizes on the first working day of every month. Results are published on the NS&I website shortly after the draw. Each 1 pound bond is entered into every monthly draw independently.
Are premium bonds prizes taxable?
No. All premium bonds prizes are tax-free regardless of the amount. This applies to UK residents. The tax-free status applies to the prize itself -- the original investment is made from post-tax income.
What happens if I win a large premium bonds prize?
NS&I contacts winners of prizes of 50,000 pounds or more by letter sent to the registered address. For prizes below 50,000 pounds, the amount is paid by bank transfer if bank details are registered, or by cheque for prizes of 1,000 pounds and above. Smaller prizes are credited to the NS&I account.
Can I check someone else's premium bonds?
You can only check premium bonds using the account holder number for that specific account. If you are the registered account manager for a child's account you can check using the child's holder number. For a deceased person's bonds, the executor should contact NS&I directly with the relevant documentation.
How long does NS&I keep unclaimed prizes?
NS&I holds unclaimed prizes indefinitely. There is no expiry date on a premium bonds prize. If you discover an unclaimed prize from a draw years ago, NS&I will still pay it. The prize checker shows results for the last 12 months online, but NS&I can search further back if contacted directly.
